Breaking Plus Size Barriers: Latoya Ellis and Shelly King

Shelly King modeling for Curvaceous Boutique (www.curvaceousboutique.com)

When you attend events like Full Figured Fashion Week™ (FFF Week) you expect to see plus size divas represent for all of us. Unique this year at the event were 2 women that fell outside of the industry standard for plus modeling. Each time Latoya Ellis and Shelly King stepped on stage they brought the house down!  I wanted to talk to these burgeoning trailblazers to get their perspective on FFF week.

Cassandra Jones-McBryde: At Full Figured Fashion Week™, we rejoice when we see real size models on the runway. Both of you were welcome additions to the event because you were reflective of a lot of women that were in the room. You are not typically what we are used to seeing on a major stage as FFF Week.  I am interested to know what your journey was to the runway.

Shelly King: Well for this event, I sent in a video and then was called to the live closed casting  in New York where we met Sharon Quinn and Tonya Giddens. They debated about who they wanted. I was really nervous during the process. I have never seen anyone of my size on a grand stage like FFF Week.

Cassy: How many girls were at the closed casting?

Shelly: About 100 I think?

Cassy: Wow! That is a lot of competition, how many girls were there who looked like you?

Shelly: Maybe 2, me and one other person.

Cassy: Why do you think that was? Do you think they shyed away because of what you observed, that no one ever looked like them at FFF week? What made you forge ahead despite it all?

Shelly: I have always been the go getter type.  As I wanted more things in life, I never thought that whatever I wanted wasn’t meant for me. People would be surprised when they learned I submitted my pictures to certain agencies. I feel that people who look like me need to be represented.  I just stepped out on faith.

LaToya Ellis modeling Ashaki Charles (www.ashakicharlesdesigns.com)

Cassy: What about you Latoya, what was your journey like to  the big stage in New York?

Latoya Ellis: From the beginning I have always been interested in fashion, although I was not what society feels was the norm or fashionable. I never really thought modeling was for me at first.  With a lot of encouragement from family and friends, I decided to audition for local shows. I was told from auditions that they were impressed that I didn’t have any experience. I continued pursuing modeling after that.  I then participated in The Fuller Woman Expo in 2009 which opened a lot of doors for me. I enrolled in the Plus Academy-DETROIT shortly after that which was a great opportunity. I learned that with the proper training and knowledge of the industry, I could be someone who could break through barriers on the runway.

Cassy: Let’s talk about your interactions with some of the other models at FFF Week? What was the feeling back stage?

Latoya: It was very pleasant for me. I didn’t know how I was going to be received. I ran straight from the airport to rehearsal. Everyone was so helpful. I was really surprised how warm everyone was.

Shelly: I had previously modeled with some of the models that were in the show, it felt like a model family reunion! Everyone was very encouraging. We were there to empower other woman, it felt like one big happy family with Sharon Quinn as our mother!

Latoya: Over the course of the weekend, it felt like a model sisterhood. I really felt that. Everyone was there to help each other.

Shelly: That’s true Latoya, when you have that positive energy you realize that it is more than just a show, it is about inspiring other women. You want to show them that they are beautiful just as they are.

Cassy: I feel that sense of responsibility to inspire and motivate others by your presence on the runway is unique to plus size models. I don’t know if straight models feel the same way. Do you both feel that placing so much pressure on you as a model is unfair or do you accept the responsibility your presence brings to the industry?

Latoya: I feel that it is more empowering. When you have a mission and purpose behind what you do, it gives it more purpose.

Shelly King modeling Kmart LYS Collection

Shelly: I agree with Latoya.  Walking with straight size models the atmosphere is different, more competitive. When you have a mission and move together in unison we all accomplish our goals together. Straight size models don’t really have anything to prove, whereas plus size models have to fight for exposure and acceptance every day. That may be the difference.

Cassy: That could be the difference Shelly. As a model you shouldn’t really have that responsibility to empower and inspire. Fashion is more superficial in that it is driven solely by beauty. Plus size modeling as a whole is impactful to the modeling industry.  The idea of it is barrier breaking so the responsibility to inspire more of the same comes with it.   Women have to be very careful how they market themselves as a plus model. What would you say to models that may be lead in the wrong direction?

Shelly: Some photographers come at you in a non-professional manner. You still need to keep yourself in a professional, respectful and positive light. This is a business and you should treat it that way. I studied and did my research. I observed the industry. You have to constantly be a student.  My discipline led me to be a runway coach for Plus Academy-CHARLOTTE where I had opportunity to assist others in that area.

Latoya: I learned early on that your modeling career is just that, a CAREER. You have to treat it that way. Those suggestive photos are not going to lead you to commercial jobs like Lane Bryant or Ashley Stewart. All exposure is not good exposure.

Cassy: Many women feel the first option is the only option and they fall prey to things that impact their career negatively. It really is about doing your research and learning industry standards.  You have to market yourself as a brand and I am so happy to see that you both have conducted yourself with such class and professionalism. You are both truly role models! What is on the horizon for both of you?

Shelly: I would love to do BET Rip the Runway one day.  I am looking forward to The Fuller Woman Expo in September of course! I want more exposure, more print work and to be agency signed.

LaToya Ellis modeling Kmart LYS Collection

Latoya: I agree with that, more exposure is my goal as well. I want to continue to train and research this industry and go from there. I want to continue to encourage young women to love themselves in what I do.  I am looking forward to working with Shelly at The Fuller Woman Expo again this year. We first met at the Expo last year and stayed connected on facebook after the event. I was so happy to see her at FFF week! We have been connected ever since.

Shelly: I can’t wait to come back to Detroit; I had an amazing time last year!

Cassy: I am looking forward to seeing both of you not only in Detroit but on stages around the world! Good Luck to you both!